Looking Back at Two Famous Black Female American Whistleblowers and Their Contributions

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February was Black History Month, and March is Women’s History Month: it’s the perfect opportunity to look back at two famous Black women whistleblowers and their pursuit of justice. In fact, the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), along with Protect our Defenders, Modern Military Association of America, Whistleblowers of America and Walk the Talk Foundation, sent a letter to President Biden encouraging to recognize the courageous work of whistleblowers in America, particularly Commander Kimberly Young-McLear. Here’s an introduction to Commander Young-McLear and Bunnatine Greenhouse.

Commander Kimberly Young-McLear

Commander Young-McLear exposed “gross and unlawful misconduct” at the Coast Guard, where she has been on active duty nearly 20 years. In addition to advocating against discriminatory prohibitions on natural and dreadlock hairstyles for Black women, and for LGBTQ protections, she became a whistleblower in 2014.

Commander Young-McLear exposed a significant misuse of power in how the Coast Guard responded to allegations of discrimination, harassment and bullying. The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General further confirmed reports that she had been retaliated against for her whistleblowing activity. Despite the harm she suffered, her advocacy helped close investigative loopholes for Coast Guard service members and federally employed civilians.

Bunnatine “Bunny” Greenhouse

Bunny Greenhouse was the highest-ranked civilian at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2005, when she blew the whistle on preferential treatment toward a wholly-owned Halliburton subsidiary. The company, Kellogg Brown and Root, was being considered for a $7 billion contract rife with millions of dollars in waste and abuse. As a result of her whistleblowing, the government split up the contract and encouraged competition—but not before Greenhouse was physically threatened, demoted and stripped of her security clearance.

These two brave whistleblowers went up against powerful government forces to pursue justice on the behalf of service members and American citizens, resulting in fairer rules and less government waste.

When you’re ready to blow the whistle on employer wrongdoing, a skilled whistleblower attorney at Kardell Law Group can help. Call today to learn more.

By Steve Kardell | Published May 4, 2023 | Posted in Whistleblower Litigation | Tagged Black History Month, whistleblower history, Women's History Month

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